Episode 122 of the Data Center Go-to-Market Podcast features an interview with David Irek, VP of Business Development at Duos Edge AI.
- Discover the transformative potential of edge computing in rural and underserved markets
- Explore the critical role of data centers in supporting emerging technologies like AI
- Uncover strategies for balancing cloud and on-premises infrastructure solutions
- Investigate the growing importance of connectivity in agricultural and educational sectors
- Examine career pathways in telecommunications and IT infrastructure
- Navigate the challenges of technological innovation in secondary and tertiary markets
- Understand the impact of edge computing on latency-sensitive applications
- Recognize the potential for technology-driven economic development in rural communities
- Evaluate the future of data center deployment and AI infrastructure
- Identify mentoring opportunities for introducing students to technology careers
Host:
Joshua Feinberg, CEO
DCSMI
Special Guest:
David Irek, VP of Business Development
Duos Edge AI
David Irek, VP of Business Development at Duos Edge AI, discussed the company's focus on building edge data centers for rural and tier three to tier four markets. He highlighted a hospital system's experience with cloud migration, which led to operational cost issues, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach. Duos Edge AI plans to deploy 15 edge data centers in Texas by year-end. Irek also shared insights on the growing importance of edge computing, driven by AI and high-performance computing, and the potential for edge data centers to support agricultural technology and educational initiatives. He stressed the need for early exposure to technology careers.
Outline
Cloud Migration Challenges and Introduction to Duos Edge AI
- David Irek discusses the challenges faced by a hospital system that rushed to the cloud, leading to operational cost issues and the need to bring some technology back in-house.
- Joshua Feinberg introduces himself and David Irek, VP of Business Development at Duos Edge AI, and asks David to share his background and the company's focus.
- David Irek explains his career in transport technologies and his transition to Duos Edge AI, highlighting the company's focus on building edge data centers for rural and tier three to tier four markets.
- David mentions the first deployment in Amarillo, Texas, and plans to deploy 15 more edge data centers by the end of the year.
David's Journey into Edge Computing
- Joshua Feinberg asks David about his first encounter with edge computing, and David shares his experience in the education space and the growing need for edge computing.
- David discusses the importance of pushing compute closer to end users to improve latency and user experience, especially with the rise of AI and high-performance computing.
- David highlights the role of edge computing in supporting AI and managing low latency, emphasizing the need for edge compute devices to enhance user experience.
- Joshua and David discuss the trends in consumerization and the importance of edge computing in addressing latency-sensitive applications.
David's Career Path and Early Influences
- Joshua Feinberg inquires about David's career path and early influences, leading David to share his brother's influence in the fiber optics industry and his early exposure to technology.
- David explains his transition from a technical role to sales and business development, encouraged by his brother's experience.
- David discusses his late adoption of AI and the importance of staying up-to-date with emerging technologies to support Duos Edge AI's mission.
- Joshua and David talk about the convergence of business models in the telecommunications industry and the growing importance of colocation and managed services.
Edge Computing in Rural and Agricultural Markets
- David shares his experiences with rural communities and the importance of edge computing in supporting agricultural technology, such as drones and autonomous tractors.
- David discusses the need for connectivity in rural areas and the role of edge data centers in providing on-ramps for larger connectivity back to major cities.
- Joshua and David talk about the challenges of fiber cuts and the importance of having multiple pathways for connectivity.
- David highlights the role of educational entities in driving the need for edge computing and the potential for creating data center academies in rural areas.
Career Advice and Mentoring
- Joshua Feinberg asks David for advice on career paths in telecommunications and IT infrastructure, especially for those interested in client-facing roles.
- David emphasizes the importance of starting early in technology education and encouraging students to explore technology-focused careers.
- David shares his experience with mentoring programs and the value of cross-functional mentoring across different business areas.
- Joshua and David discuss the competitive nature of higher education and the need for early exposure to technology careers.
Challenges and Opportunities in Edge Computing
- David discusses the challenges of cloud migration and the importance of finding a balanced approach between cloud and on-premises solutions.
- David highlights the role of Duos Edge AI in providing revenue-share models to help educational entities offset costs and manage infrastructure.
- David shares a case study of a hospital system that had to pull back some technology from the cloud due to operational cost issues.
- David emphasizes the importance of planning and researching the right solutions for data center management and connectivity.
The Role of Channel Partners and Future Trends
- Joshua Feinberg asks about Duos Edge AI's approach to channel partnerships, and David explains the current focus on a direct model but plans for future indirect models.
- David discusses the importance of scalability and the natural progression to a channel model as the company grows.
- David shares his thoughts on the future of edge computing and the potential for widespread adoption in underserved communities.
- David highlights the need for skill training and the bright horizon for AI and edge computing in the coming years.
Final Thoughts and Contact Information
- Joshua Feinberg and David Irek discuss the importance of staying informed about AI and the need for better public understanding of the technology.
- David shares his experiences with family and friends who are not familiar with his work and the challenges of explaining his role.
- Joshua and David talk about the rapid technological advancements and the impact on future generations.
- David provides information on how to follow Duos Edge AI and connect with him on LinkedIn, encouraging listeners to reach out with any questions.
Guest Resources
Resources
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